Electuary of Costus

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Bitter Costus * Cassia Wood Cinnamon Asarum Rhubarb Schoenanth Celery seed Aniseed Saffron Long Birthwort Round Birthwort Myrrh Honey clarified

Latin Inula racemosa (?) Cinnamonum cassia Cinnamonum zeylanicum Asarum europeum Rheum palmatum Cymbopogon schoenanthus Apium graveolens Pimpinella anisum Crocus sativus Aristolchia longa Aristolchia rotunda Commiphora molmol Mel Amount 5 drams ea. 10 drams 4 drams 3 drams ea. 2 drams ea. sufficient

* Bitter Costus can refer to several plants; possible Inula racemosa. Standard Costus can be used in this case.

Another version from Pharmacopoeia Persica (1681):

Herb Name Cinnamon Cassia Wood Costus Opium Aniseed Rhubarb Celery seed Asarum Saffron Schoenanth

Latin Cinnamonum zeylanicum Cinnamonum cassia Saussurea lappa Opium Pimpinella anisum Rheum palmatum Apium graveolens Asarum europeum Crocus sativus Cymbopogon schoenanthus Amount 30 drams ea. 10 drams ea. 29 drams 20 dram 24 drams

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, then mix with the Honey to form an Electuary

Function:

Opens Obstructions, relieves Pain

Use:

1. Pain of the organs (especially Stomach and Liver) associated with Obstruction
2. beginning stages of Edema

Dose:

1–2 drams in warm wine.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. This could be recreated without the Asarum or Birthworts. Suitable substitutes for these can be found under their respective monographs. Corydalis Yan Hu Suo can be used in place of Birthwort, especially if there is strong pain. The second version does not contain Birthworts.
2. The second version adds Opium which is important for severe Pain. The formula will stand without it.

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